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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.